My Twitter feed has been like a wild animal this week.
With the first #EqualMarriage having taken place over the weekend, I have witnessed first (and second) hand just how divided we are in this world over the issue of Equal Marriage for gay people.
Unfortunately, divided is not quite the word I'd use to describe the extreme hatred and vitriol I've seen aimed at those who peacefully and lovingly advocate openness, dialogue and understanding of differences in sexuality.
I was, at times, ashamed to read the stories Tweeted by people who had been on the receiving end of vile language, pictures and threats, all because they had stood up for what they believed in and encouraged others to try and see that there is more than one side to our humanity. Ashamed because many of these comments were put forward by those who said they were Christians.
The one sentence that kept running through my mind was, "If we believe that God makes us all in his image, then surely God is black, God is white, God is small, tall, thin, not so thin, male, female, gay, straight, Christian, non Christian, and all of those characteristics that go to make up the many sides to our humanity"
Jesus preached love and understanding, and even if he did not understand or accept someone or their beliefs, it didn't stop him reaching out to them in love.
The second episode of Rev was aired yesterday and dealt with the same issue; how does a Church of England priest deal with being asked to perform a same sex wedding in their church? Comedy aside, it was painful and poignant to watch, especially the end scene - where Adam Smallbone, in a dream, finally gets to do what he really wants to do - to marry his two gay friends in his church in an official marriage ceremony.
Many posts I read after the programme had ended mirrored his desire; that one day those priests who accept these differences might be able to reach out, to be able to speak on behalf of the church they serve when they say, "You are equal in our eyes, come in, you are welcome."
It pains me, as it must do many priests who feel their hands are tied, to think that this day is still far off. I pray that a seed has been planted, and that it will grow and flourish so that one day we can say that all who come to us as a church, that they are as equal to us as they are to God.
Sadly, at the moment, the message seems to be, "You can come in, but only if......"
